Cooktown & Daintree 3 Day Tour
The Cooktown, Daintree & Outback 3 Day Tour tour takes you from Cairns through the Atherton Tablelands, Cooktown and the Daintree National Park over three days. It combines history, rainforest, coastal views and outback landscapes in one guided small group experience.
You travel in a modern 4WD vehicle with a local naturalist guide who shares information about the region’s plants, wildlife and history. The tour includes accommodation with private ensuite bathrooms, national park fees, a Daintree River cruise and most meals.
It covers key sites linked to Captain James Cook, the Palmer River Gold Rush, the Bloomfield Track and Cape Tribulation, where the reef meets the rainforest. Hotel pick up and drop off in Cairns or Port Douglas are included.
Features
- Knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
- Pick up from Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation
- 2 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Snacks
- Hotel or motel ensuite accommodation
- Modern 4WD vehicle
- All National Park entry fees
- Daintree River Cruise
- All attractions as per itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cairns to Cooktown via Kuranda Range and Atherton Tablelands
After morning pick up from your Cairns or Northern Beaches accommodation, the tour travels up the Kuranda Range with views over Cairns and the Coral Sea. An exclusive permit allows access to a 4WD track through rainforest and river crossings to the Clohesy River boardwalk, where you see a large Strangler Fig tree.
The journey continues through Mareeba, Mount Molloy and Mount Carbine, with a stop at Bob’s Lookout for views across the region. After morning tea, the tour heads into Savannah country to the Palmer River Roadhouse for lunch.
Travelling north along the Mulligan Highway, you pass the Black Mountain before visiting Archer Point Lighthouse, which overlooks the Great Barrier Reef. The day ends in Cooktown with dinner and overnight accommodation in a private ensuite room.
Day 2 – Cooktown, Bloomfield Track and Cape Tribulation
After breakfast, the morning begins with a guided tour of Cooktown, including Grassy Hill lookout for views over the Endeavour River. You then visit the James Cook Museum, which covers Captain James Cook’s stay in 1770 and the Palmer River Gold Rush period.
Lunch is at the Lion’s Den Hotel on the Annan River. Afterward, the tour heads south along the Bloomfield Track in a 4WD vehicle. Stops include Bloomfield Falls, sections of Cedar Bay National Park and rainforest boardwalks.
Arriving at Cape Tribulation in the Daintree National Park, you can walk along Cape Tribulation Beach and visit Kulki Lookout. Overnight accommodation is in Cape Tribulation with private ensuite facilities and dinner included.
Day 3 – Cape Tribulation, Daintree River, Mossman Gorge and Return
After breakfast, the tour visits Thornton Beach, located near Thornton Peak. There is time to walk along the beach and take photos. Next is Alexandra Lookout, with views over the Daintree River, Snapper Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
You cross the Daintree River by cable ferry and join a one hour Daintree River cruise to spot crocodiles and birdlife with commentary from a local guide. Lunch is at the Daintree Tea House.
In the afternoon, you visit Mossman Gorge in the southern section of the Daintree National Park for a guided walk and learn about Kuku Yalanji culture. The return journey follows the Captain Cook Highway with an optional stop in Port Douglas before drop off at your accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas in the early evening.
Meeting Point & Times
- Hotel pick up from Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation
- Optional drop off in Port Douglas
- Tour departs in the morning with pick up time advised at booking
- Returns to Cairns or Port Douglas in the early evening on Day 3
- Operates on selected days
What To Bring
- Small soft overnight bag no more than 10kg
- Small backpack or day pack
- Swimmers and towel
- Lightweight clothing
- Jacket for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Cash or card for drinks and souvenirs
Additional Information
- Luggage is limited to one soft bag per person plus one small backpack
- Not suitable for large hard suitcases
- Moderate level of walking involved
- Not wheelchair accessible
Instant Booking & Mobile-Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure the/your Cooktown, Daintree & Outback 3 Day Tour.
Special Child & Family Rates
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking for form for up-to-date family pricing.
Pickup Location
Accommodation in Cairns or the Northern Beaches
Tour Schedule
The tour operates on scheduled dates
Contact the operator for specific departure times and pickup arrangements
